By October, the excitement of a new school year has usually started to fade. The notebooks aren't new anymore, routines have settled in, and the reality of homework, tests, projects, and busy schedules has arrived. For many students, October is the perfect time for a reset. Rather than waiting for the first report card or for a small struggle to become a bigger one, families can pause, take stock, and make a few thoughtful adjustments. The goal isn't to decide that something is "wrong." It's...

1. Practice Thoughtful Responses Admissions teams want to know what excites your student about learning and school life. Practice questions like: “What’s your favorite subject and why?” “How do you handle challenges?” “What are you most looking forward to in a new school?” Encourage them to speak honestly—not just what they think the interviewer wants to hear. 2. Encourage Self-Reflection Have your student think about what kind of environment helps them thrive. What kind of clubs, sports, or...

One of the most important parts of the transition to college happens before a student ever steps into a classroom: learning how to advocate for what they need. At the college level, students are responsible for identifying barriers, requesting accommodations, submitting documentation, participating in meetings, and communicating with the appropriate offices. The accommodations a student may have received in high school do not automatically transfer to college, and the process for receiving...